According to an expatriate cost of living survey prepared by UBS, Oslo is the world's most expensive city. Excluding the cost of rent, Oslo's average cost of living is 44 percent higher than in New York, the most expensive city in North America. If rent is included in the calculation, Oslo becomes the second most expensive city in the world (behind London). Oslo's average cost of living, including rent, is 12 percent higher than New York.

Average prices in Norway for most every good or service are among the highest in the world. For example, food prices in Oslo are 31 percent higher than in London, 17 percent higher than in Paris and 13 percent higher than in New York. Men's clothing in Oslo is, on average, 38 percent more expensive than in London, 14 percent more expensive than in New York and nine percent more expensive than in Paris. Women's clothing in Oslo is similarly expensive.